This article has been syndicated from Daily Cup of JOJO, an InfluenceHer Collective Member. Read the full post here.
Let’s face the fact we already know: self-care doesn’t always mean facemasks or bath bombs. And TBH, that’s a good thing — self-care comes in many different forms and it’s so important to acknowledge and practice. If you’re not drawn to massages or wine and bath time, I can almost guarantee that there’s a self-care practice out there that’s for you.
When we keep ourselves busy at home and at work, we tend to temporarily brush aside any worries and concerns we have over our well being and general health. We tend to lead increasingly busy lives, and put aside niggly pains and aches, which often ends up making the problem worse. Our mental health gets the back burner a lot of the time, and it in no way should be at the back. That being said, there are so many small acts of self-care you can do throughout your week to help take care of you and your mental health.
1. Draw yourself a bath… (okay now that that is out of the way)
2. Color in a coloring book
3. Meal prep, cook or bake
4. Refill your water bottle or bring two so you’ll always have it handy
5. Go for a 10-minute walk around your office or neighborhood — pay attention to the breeze and air
6. Practice good sleep hygiene and follow a regular sleep schedule or avoid caffeine late at night
7. Zen out with a video game on Game Pass
8. Make your bed so you can come home to an inviting space (bonus if you put clean sheets on your bed)
9. Do a three-minute meditation at your desk
10. Do your dishes before bed so you can wake up to a clean kitchen
11. Wear something that makes you feel good, like fun pants or a bowtie
12. Make a credit card payment
13. Eat some damn chocolate
14. Sip on some wine and allow yourself to watch one episode of your current binge
15. Marie Kondo your closet
16. Get rid of your alarm clock and wake up to a fun yoga practice (I promise, it’s much more soothing)
17. Blast your fave Avril Lavigne song on your way home
18. Put on the softest pants you own (or socks, or slippers)
19. Try scent therapy — I am ? here ? for ? aromatherapy?
20. Look up dog pics on Instagram #puppygram
21. Get yourself some quartz and moonstone for some calming vibes and new beginnings — crystal collecting can be a very soothing hobby
22. Get up and refill that water bottle
23. Try some easy stretches — I cradle the back of my head with my hands and push back
24. Brag about something you’re awesome at on social media
25. Get out of your head and try something you’ve never done before
26. Make a self-care kit — prepping for self-care has to be therapeutic in itself
27. Flail around your room in a super fuzzy robe while drinking tea from your favorite mug
28. Eat your favorite meal that feels good, whether that means a bowl of broccoli or a bowl of ice cream
29. Dye your hair that color you’ve always wanted
30. Build a blanket fort and keep it up as long as you want
All of us experience stress at one point or another in our lives — whether it’s a rough patch at work or some at-home personal difficulties, life can find a way to throw you for a loop. Acts of self-care can seriously help you balance a hectic or stressful time in your life. Whether it’s calling a friend or family member you trust, or just putting on that face mask, try to find the right self-care for yourself.
Read the full post here.